Saturday, May 4 saw the Sandringham Reserve lit with bright lights, decorated with props, film set and hundreds flocking the garden area opposite the popular Paradise Restaurant trying their talent – acting, dancing and shooting for a fake film.
‘Kollywood Extra’ was an opportunity for the people to come and witness what an active film shooting spot with real film shooting cameras, props, music, dressing room, make up artists- everything that is used in a film shooting- only a mock drill.
Created by visionary director Ahi Karunaharan, Satellites Asian Art Festival’s Kollywood Extra is said to be an active homage to the South Indian cinema. The show space also featured culinary treats of Samrudh Akuthota and the majestic artwork of Bepen Bhana.
“We wanted to create a space- although fake but appearing as if a film is being shot at the place. The whole idea was to get passiveness of the observer to an active performer- and there is no rocket science to it; one could do anything they liked at the film set,” Ahi Karunaharan told The Indian Weekender.
Seeing the extravagant lighting, film set and music, people were drawn to the event, many of whom participated in the drill that included getting a make up done, recording a dialogue on camera, shooting a scene, taking a headshot, taking pictures with their favorite star cutouts, to dancing, singing etc.
“We had a lot of children whose curiosity drew them towards our film set, and they were the most active participants to our show,” Mr Karunaharan said.
“The visitors draped glamorous sarees, used props such as kettles, flowers, balloons, acted as spot boys and extras to the shootings happening, it was fun to see so much enthusiasm amongst the people when they became so actively involved in the event,” the director added.
The day-to-evening event is said to have visited by almost 500 people, men, women, children from different ethnicities of which many participated at the mock shootings, dancing while some of them watching the glamour of a film set as a spectator.
“We had invited a lot of people through social media channels, and many busy shoppers were just attracted to the roadshow and dropped in.
“We work in theatre, and we see a lot of people appreciating the end product, congratulating the actors but almost no one sees the efforts in putting the show together, the production crew, extras, designers, make up artists and so many people who put together their skills in making a film or a play. This was an opportunity to witness the making of a show and participate in one,” Mr Karunaharan added.
Image Credits: David St George